For those steeped in the lore and legend of the Old West, the names Mattie Blaylock and Kate Harony are among two of the most famous -- and perhaps misunderstood -- of the women of the American frontier. Mattie and Kate are just two of the well-drawn characters in the novel, "Doc," by Mary Doria Russell (this season's One Book One Valley read) -- and they are among the subjects that will form a special lunch-hour reading on Friday, Oct. 19, at 12:15 p.m. at the Estes Valley Library.

"The Women of Dodge City" will be part of this month's Astounding Stories series. Sarah Holdt, archivist at the Estes Valley Library, will serve as guest reader, drawing from a variety of sources to add insight into the known history and mythic lore surrounding the female characters in Russell's book.

Attendees need not have read the book "Doc" to enjoy the Oct. 19 reading. Participants are welcome to bring a brown-bag lunch for the 45-minute program, and crafters are welcome to bring their needlework while they listen in the comfortable setting of the library's Hondius Room.